Bird worked closely with Suncor during pre-construction to maximize constructability benefits for this conversion of an existing warehouse space. The greatest challenge to the project was the building envelope. As a condition of Suncor’s lease, the building envelope was to remain unaltered, creating an obstacle to the necessary insulation and barrier systems upgrades. The unique solution was to construct a building within a building. By allowing for a continuous air barrier between the weaker warehouse envelope and the new office envelope, the air barrier was able to also function as an insulating and vapour barrier, effectively sealing the new environment.

As Bird successfully completed the project on a tight schedule and without incident, the team qualified as a finalist in Suncor’s safety performance awards.